Tag: hugs

Hugged by God

Published on by amylinnea3 Comments

And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them. Mark 10:16

Have you ever felt a hug from God? You know, a big bear hug?

Or maybe a little squeeze?

I have.

In fact He gave me a huge hug on Sunday.

How? It was through all the people filtering through my book sale.

The line was so long. And I was afraid nobody would show up!

Their words were so kind. Generous. Made me blush!

One mentioned I am a faithful servant, sharing what God has on my heart.

Another couldn’t get over how beautiful the book was.

Still more were so tickled I signed their books.

Me. Little ole me.

Years ago, God asked me to record His thoughts for our broken world.

I obeyed.

Fast forward two years ago and my publisher knocked on my door.

Producing the book was my second job for awhile, yet I knew God’s purpose was behind it.

Sitting in my house early summer, I also knew I should host a book launch party.

The thought almost terrified me. Me?

Deepest fears emerged such as what if I’m there all by myself?

But I obeyed. Again.

When we obey God again and again, He patiently shows us the way.

Then He shows up, doing what He does.

When folks stood in my book line, I shouldn’t have been the least bit surprised.

God is like that, isn’t He?

He asks us to do something. We obey, and He shows up. Big time.

It’s always been God’s blog.

And now it’s God’s book.

While it’s absolutely not about me at all, He chose me to be one of His vessels.

And I chose to obey.

On Sunday I felt wrapped in a big hug from God.

Like He was saying, “Great job, Amy!”

God is generous with His hugs. He longs to cover us with His peace, joy, and love.

How can you choose to obey God today?

Choose Him and obey. Then sit back for that big ole hug.

When you abide in His will, His peace will remain, wrapping you in His precious hug.

Photos by Joice Kelly, Rajesh Rajput, & Elijah Hiett on Unsplash

Slaps and Hugs

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.  Proverbs 15:13

Life can bring you stress or peace.

Stomach cringes or smiley fill up your bucket type of moments.

You know – slaps or hugs.

Do you have things you do every day you cannot stand?

Or have gotten really old?

Can you forget them?

If you’re honest, some of them you could.

You could throw away the plants that need water.

You could give away the dog.

You could get off that one committee.

You could stop being everyone’s maid.

Make a list.

Then decide if you can honestly stop any of them.

And if you still have some stomach cringing stressful “slap you downs” on your list, move them over to the hug side.

Now, what about your pick me ups? Your hugs? Things that make you smile?

Things in your life you would rather do for as long as humanly possible.

Picking up a book and becoming lost in the adventure.

Tickling the ivories as your fingers fly over the keys.

Lacing up your running shoes to take in a much needed breath of fresh air.

List what makes you smile.

Helps when you need that pick me up. That hug.

Now, remember your slaps you listed? The ones you need to keep in your short life?

Hopefully you moved them over to the good side. The side that makes you happy.

You know – your hugs.

What?

Yes. Change the focus, showing their positive side.

Watering my flowers? Boy, they sure are beautiful!

Creating healthy meals for my family? I am helping us stay our freshest and best, honoring our bodies God created.

Make sense? There’s a positive side to anything.

In our life, there are many stressors. Many slaps so to speak.

So don’t let it slap you down. Don’t let anything steal your peace.

Get rid of extra things you don’t need to bother with anymore.

But all the rest? Look at them in a positive light.

God gives you things. Use your talents and abilities to glorify Him.

And stop slapping yourself silly!

Photos by Andrew Neel, Joshua Clay, Ekaterina Shakharova, & Joice Kelly on Unsplash